Posted by John Reed on December 23, 2012 at 8:16 AM
Help! Running Windows XP Pro 32 bit Service Pack 3 on one computer used only for word processing, e-mail, etc and it got the "US Department of Justice" virus. I successfully (I think) removed it with Malwarebytes but now there must be something lingering because I can't re-establish any anti-virus program nor turn on Windows firewall, nor use "restore" to go back to an earlier time. I've tried all the "fixes" I could find on the Internet including checking some registry keys but all looks OK. Anybody have any ideas short of reinstalling Windows or giving up and buying a new machine?
I know this isn't really a photo issue but there's a lot of brainpower out there and sure hope someone has a thought.
I'm using Win7 64 bit on my "photo machine" but kept this old XP unit for the dog & cat general work for which it has done OK.
Since you still cannot enable virus protection, Windows firewall, or system restore, there is still malware on your machine. Yes, MalwareBytes is pretty good, but I ran into a similar situation on a XP machine and had to seek another solution...
Go to Bleeping Computer dot com. They have a tool called 'Combo Fix' and detailed instructions on how to use it. You'll need to follow the directions to the letter--I suggest printing them out.
I hope you have all your data backed up. If Combo Fix can't fix the issue, you may need to wipe the drive and reinstall Windows. Another option: If the HD is really old, you could purchase a new one, install XP and then add your data from backup.
--P
Posted by Wayne Shakell on December 23, 2012 at 12:10 PM
John,
Really sorry to hear about this problem. I like many others suffered viruses.
I cannot give you a short term solution. My personal and eventual long term solution to this perpetual problem for Microsoft users.
I gritted my teeth breathed deep, then bought myself an applemac. Which I have enjoyed for around 10 years now. Well Worth it for long term peace of mind plus a superior machine.
PS I have no anti-virus software loaded and never have. Food for thought.
PS I have no anti-virus software loaded and never have. Food for thought.
Wayne, I'll offer more food for thought: Your data is at risk. As the installed base of Apple products increases, they are increasingly becoming targets for viruses and malware. If you don't have a firewall and antivirus software, you're pushing your luck.
In my opinion, a computer is a computer, and regardless of platform, users need to protect them from the hackers and script kiddies. Therefore, buying a different computer platform is neither a short-term or long-term fix.
--P
Posted by Harold Ankney on December 23, 2012 at 1:13 PM
Hey John...Check your emails from your website.The reason system restore didnt work is because most viruses also infect system restore and most anti viruses are set up to scan the C drive. Scan your restore files also to remove it from there.
Can't help, but I can co-miserate!
Good luck clearing the damn thing..
Sandy
Posted by Craig Myers on December 23, 2012 at 1:46 PM
Before wiping the drive, if you feel it comes to that, you might try erasing all the restore files. This is a step I once had to take because the virus had a component in my restore files that allowed the virus to reinstall itself. Fortunately, this step worked for me and averted the huge headache of starting from scratch.
Posted by John Mumaw on December 23, 2012 at 6:18 PM
I would simply re-install Windows and the programs you need, especially if you're just using it for run of the mill computing. Hopefully, your data is all backed up.
It beats spending hours trying to chase down this and that, all of which may prove fruitless.
As a bonus, you'll have an OS that's fresh and as good as new with all past detritus wiped out.
John has a point regarding having a clean OS. All the temporary files, old restore point files, and other junk will be gone. You'll also have a nice clean registry. It will take some time to download and install all the updates to XP, but, if you have a broadband Internet connection, that should go fairly quickly.
I also agree that you could save a ton of time and frustration trying to eliminate a virus--some of them are very pernicious. You could also do as I suggested earlier--but a new, faster HD and install all your stuff on it. You'll have a nice new drive to boot. btw: If you consider a new HD, make sure the one you choose is compatible with your motherboard; older MB's don't support the latest SATA drives. If you computer is old, you may need to find an IDE drive. Check the specs for your motherboard to be sure.
--P
Posted by John Reed on December 24, 2012 at 8:26 AM
Not to put an end to any other ideas but I wanted to take a moment to thank all for taking time to offer up ideas. What a great community we have here! So, thanks very much.
Ultimately I will probably go the new HD route but if I do, I'll also go to Win7. I would still like to figure it out though and find out what's going on. I like to be armed with knowledge and understanding. It will happen again in all liklihood and I'd rather know where to go to fix it, or what tools are reliable vs scams,or what sites to trust. I have not tried combo-fix yet so will likely give it a go. Going to Apple is not gonna happen for me.
Appreciate the help. Merry Christmas!
JR
Posted by Wayne Shakell on December 24, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Thank you Preston I will bare this in mind.
What I meant was is that I have no 3rd party anti virus software. Apple does come with its own security software which they and I keep up to date. Yes I agree also that a machine is a machine, However I know many folk who have changed from a Microsoft platform to an apple platform but I have never met anybody that has done the reverse, says a lot.
Posted by Rick Diffley on January 14, 2013 at 9:21 PM
In the future for any computer issues go to PC Discussion Forum. Best computer resource site. Source: http://www.pcguide.com/vb/
Discussion
11 repliesI know this isn't really a photo issue but there's a lot of brainpower out there and sure hope someone has a thought.
I'm using Win7 64 bit on my "photo machine" but kept this old XP unit for the dog & cat general work for which it has done OK.
Happy Holidays to all!
John
Since you still cannot enable virus protection, Windows firewall, or system restore, there is still malware on your machine. Yes, MalwareBytes is pretty good, but I ran into a similar situation on a XP machine and had to seek another solution...
Go to Bleeping Computer dot com. They have a tool called 'Combo Fix' and detailed instructions on how to use it. You'll need to follow the directions to the letter--I suggest printing them out.
I hope you have all your data backed up. If Combo Fix can't fix the issue, you may need to wipe the drive and reinstall Windows. Another option: If the HD is really old, you could purchase a new one, install XP and then add your data from backup.
--P
Really sorry to hear about this problem. I like many others suffered viruses.
I cannot give you a short term solution. My personal and eventual long term solution to this perpetual problem for Microsoft users.
I gritted my teeth breathed deep, then bought myself an applemac. Which I have enjoyed for around 10 years now. Well Worth it for long term peace of mind plus a superior machine.
PS I have no anti-virus software loaded and never have. Food for thought.
Wayne, I'll offer more food for thought: Your data is at risk. As the installed base of Apple products increases, they are increasingly becoming targets for viruses and malware. If you don't have a firewall and antivirus software, you're pushing your luck.
In my opinion, a computer is a computer, and regardless of platform, users need to protect them from the hackers and script kiddies. Therefore, buying a different computer platform is neither a short-term or long-term fix.
--P
Harold
Good luck clearing the damn thing..
Sandy
It beats spending hours trying to chase down this and that, all of which may prove fruitless.
As a bonus, you'll have an OS that's fresh and as good as new with all past detritus wiped out.
I also agree that you could save a ton of time and frustration trying to eliminate a virus--some of them are very pernicious. You could also do as I suggested earlier--but a new, faster HD and install all your stuff on it. You'll have a nice new drive to boot. btw: If you consider a new HD, make sure the one you choose is compatible with your motherboard; older MB's don't support the latest SATA drives. If you computer is old, you may need to find an IDE drive. Check the specs for your motherboard to be sure.
--P
Ultimately I will probably go the new HD route but if I do, I'll also go to Win7. I would still like to figure it out though and find out what's going on. I like to be armed with knowledge and understanding. It will happen again in all liklihood and I'd rather know where to go to fix it, or what tools are reliable vs scams,or what sites to trust. I have not tried combo-fix yet so will likely give it a go. Going to Apple is not gonna happen for me.
Appreciate the help. Merry Christmas!
JR
What I meant was is that I have no 3rd party anti virus software. Apple does come with its own security software which they and I keep up to date. Yes I agree also that a machine is a machine, However I know many folk who have changed from a Microsoft platform to an apple platform but I have never met anybody that has done the reverse, says a lot.